In the dark ages of Europe, there was an autonomous kingdom situated in the north of Mesopotamia. It was called Gorduene by all of the known world, yet it was named Gurgistan, or "Land of the Wolf", by their people. The people were happy with their status, yet they also wanted independence, full independence. In the past, their ancestors tried for decades and centuries to separate from their conquerors, to no avail. In the present, 84-year old grandfather Barz is narrating to his grandchildren -- ranging from naughty 10-year olds to teenage 19-year olds -- how grateful and rich they are because of one the best leaders in history and the best leader and savior of the Gurgis: King Aland I.
Zhiyar, one of Barz's grandchildren, raises his hand to ask a question. "Yes, Zhiyar?" asked Barz. Zhiyar is an 11-year old boy who is always naughty and is always the first person to ask a question.
"How did we become independent? When did we become independent? Why Gurgistan's name-?"
"That's enough Zhiyar. One question at a time," chuckled Barz. He was always fond of Zhiyar, and saw in him a great potential he didn't want to spoil. When asked about what it was, he always said that Zhiyar should discover it himself.
"I should probably tell you all the history of Gurgistan-Kurdistan," continued Grandpa Barz.
Back to the dark ages, in the year 684 CE in today's Kurdistan, 17 years and 11 months and 30 days-old Aland is playing role-playing war games outside with his cousins, when his mother Newzang comes out and calls him, "Aland, sweetie. Time to get back inside, it's going to be dark soon. Come have dinner and later we will discuss something with your father."
"Okay, Mom. I'll be there in a sec," obeyed Aland.